John 1:1 — "The Word Was God"

The Waldensian tradition affirms the classical reading of John 1:1 as establishing the full divinity of the Logos (Word) and therefore of Jesus Christ. This affirmation represents continuity with early Christian orthodoxy and rejection of Anti-Trinitarian interpretations.

Historically, the Waldensians, emerging from medieval dissent and later aligning with Reformed Protestantism, inherited and affirmed the Nicene Trinitarian framework. John 1:1 is understood as scriptural warrant for the doctrine of the Trinity and the full divinity of Christ. The Word was with God (distinction of persons) and the Word was God (unity of nature). This reading is foundational to Waldensian Christology and defends against Subordinationist, Arian, and modern Anti-Trinitarian interpretations.

For the Waldensians, the affirmation of Christ's divinity is inseparable from their commitment to biblical authority and apostolic tradition. The text supports the two-nature Christology (fully God and fully human) that grounds the efficacy of Christ's redemptive work and His authority as judge and Savior.